Losing weight may be only a tea cup away

For those looking to shed a few pounds post- holidays, pre-bikini or simply making healthier lifestyle choices, the solution may be found within a daily cup of matcha green tea. A part of Zen Buddhist culture for well over 800 years, matcha is a fine tea powder that is blended and consumed in a drink rather than steeped and discarded like tea leaves.

Clinical research has shown matcha increases metabolism, offers a huge antioxidant hit and gives a gentle stimulating effect superior to steeped teas.

Weight Loss:

"We are investigating the action of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the antioxidants in matcha, for its potential as an obesity therapeutic - with promising results," said Dr. Clifton A. Baile, the CEO of AptoTec, Inc., and a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science and Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia. "Our research has shown that EGCG helps cause weight loss and reduce body fat in mice. There is no magic weight loss solution but, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, drinking matcha could make losing weight easier."

Published in Obesity Research in June 2005, this study, with mouse fat cells showed that EGCG, found in matcha, helps cause fat cells to store less fat, and eventually, to self-destruct. In a follow-up study not yet published, EGCG fed to mice caused weight loss and reduced the amount of body fat.

Antioxidants:

The benefits of antioxidants are well known and may include increased immune function and disease prevention. In 2005, testing on matcha revealed that the tea powder contains the highest levels of antioxidants per gram over any other fruit or vegetable including other green teas. The Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) test conducted by FDA approved labs in Massachusetts discovered that one gram of matcha has approximately 1384 ORAC units. As a benchmark for comparison, blueberries, long considered the gold standard, contain 1344 ORAC units per serving (24 berries per gram). Nutritionists suggest that people should consume 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units daily in order to garner the greatest health benefit.

"Flavonoid-rich and virtually calorie-free, matcha is an ideal choice for those looking for a delicious drink that fits perfectly into a healthy diet," says Brian Takeda, regional director, Aiya Corporation. "In fact, research indicates the concentration of catechins available in matcha is 137 times greater than the amount of catechins available in regular green tea." Catechins are flavonoid compounds found predominantly in green tea and have significant antioxidant qualities.

The matcha alternative:

Matcha's processing technique means that drinkers consume the tea plant itself, not just a brew of its leaves. This allows an exponential increase in any health benefits offered. For example, one cup of matcha tea is equivalent to ten cups of steeped green tea.

"Matcha may also be a healthy alternative to coffee," added Takeda. "In addition to providing essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and copper, matcha has high amounts of L-theanines which provide drinkers with a boost without that coffee 'buzz' feeling."

Japanese matcha lovers have claimed for centuries to feel greater mental clarity, sustained energy and an overall feeling of relaxation from the tea's consumption.